Pipe sealing device and methods of making and using the same

ABSTRACT

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an apparatus for releasably sealing a pipe. Particularly, the apparatus comprises a bar that includes an interior, an exterior, a first end that includes external threads, and a second end that includes a stop. The device further comprises a sleeve positioned over a portion of the bar, and a coupling comprising internal threads that couple to the bar external threads. The device includes a compressible gasket sandwiched between first and second adaptors. Advancement of the coupling over the bar external threads increases pressure on the sleeve, which compresses the gasket between the first and second adaptors.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a pipe sealing deviceand to methods of making and using the disclosed device.

BACKGROUND

During shower construction and renovation projects, flood tests arecommonly performed to analyze the durability of a drain's waterprooffeatures and to ensure that no damage is done to the structure due towater leakage. During flood testing, a shower drain pipe is plugged andwater is allowed to sit at a depth of 2-4 inches for 24-72 hours. Thewater height at the beginning and end of the test is then measured andany substantial differences in depth are indications of a leak.Typically, the shower drain is plugged using an inflatable ballconnected to an access chain. In use, the ball is inflated to plug thedrain and is dislodged at the end of the test by pulling the chain.However, when the water level is high, the user must put his hand in thestanding water to access the chain at the end of the test. Theinflatable ball design also requires the water depth to be recorded onthe surface of a shower, which can be easily disturbed or removed.Further, the inflatable ball requires an external pump for inflationduring use.

Moreover, during drain replacement projects, to seat the drain pipeproperly, current methods require pushing up from a crawl space orremoving a portion of the ceiling from the floor below. Such methods aretime-consuming and typically require more than one person.

It would therefore be beneficial to provide a device that overcomes theshortcomings of the prior art.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directedto a device for releasably sealing a pipe. Particularly, the deviceincludes a bar comprising a first end, a second end, and a main bodypositioned between the first and second ends. The first end is definedby a plurality of screw threads, and the second end is defined by astop. The device further comprises a compressible gasket sandwichedbetween a first adaptor and a second adaptor, positioned at the secondend, adjacent to the stop. The device includes a coupling comprising ahandle and internal threads that mate with the external threads of thebar first end. The device comprises a sleeve configured on an outersurface of the main body of the bar, maintained between the coupling andthe second adaptor, wherein advancement of the coupling over the barexternal threads translates the sleeve towards the bar second end, whichcompresses the gasket between the first and second adaptors.

In some embodiments, the gasket is constructed from rubber, elastomericmaterial, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the sleeve is constructed from a rigid material. Insome embodiments, the rigid material is selected from stainless steel,nickel, aluminum, bronze, brass, iron, and combinations thereof. In someembodiments, suitable plastic materials can include polyethylene,polypropylene, copolymers of polyethylene and polypropylene, poly(vinylchloride), and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the sleeve comprises one or more graduation marksthat measure a length or depth.

In some embodiments, the coupling is a wing nut comprising two or morewings.

In some embodiments, the stop is defined by a head and a shoulderpositioned directly adjacent to the head. In some embodiments, theshoulder is configured in a square shape. In some embodiments, the firstadaptor includes a face with a recess sized and shaped to house theshoulder.

In some embodiments, the first and second adaptors each comprise aninterior face positioned directly adjacent to the gasket, wherein theinterior faces comprise one or more ridges.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises one or more washerspositioned between the sleeve and the coupling.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises one or more washerspositioned between the first adaptor and the stop, between the secondadaptor and the sleeve, or both.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directedto a method of creating a watertight seal in a pipe, the methodcomprising positioning the disclosed device within the interior of thepipe and rotating the coupling on the bar external threads such that thesleeve is translated towards the pipe second end until the gasket iscompressed between to the first and second adaptors to a degreesufficient to contact the interior of the pipe, whereby the gasketcreates a watertight seal in the pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The previous summary and the following detailed descriptions are to beread in view of the drawings, which illustrate some (but not all)embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 1a is a front plan view of a device in accordance with someembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 1b is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of a device bar in accordance with someembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of a device sleeve in accordance with someembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 4a-4c are perspective views of three embodiments of couplings thatcan be used with the disclosed device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a washer in accordance with someembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 6a and 6b are perspective views of first and second adaptorsaccording to some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a device gasket in accordance with someembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a device in accordance with someembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter is introduced with sufficientdetails to provide an understanding of one or more particularembodiments of broader inventive subject matters. The descriptionsexpound upon and exemplify features of those embodiments withoutlimiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly describedembodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptionswill likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and featureswithout departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subjectmatter.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill inthe art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains.Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent tothose described herein can be used in the practice or testing of thepresently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, andmaterials are now described.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and“the” refer to “one or more” when used in the subject specification,including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a device” caninclude a plurality of such devices, and so forth.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities ofcomponents, conditions, and so forth used in the specification andclaims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by theterm “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, thenumerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attachedclaims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desiredproperties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subjectmatter.

As used herein, the term “about”, when referring to a value or to anamount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and/or percentagecan encompass variations of, in some embodiments +/−20%, in someembodiments +/−10%, in some embodiments +/−5%, in some embodiments+/−1%, in some embodiments +/−0.5%, and in some embodiments +/−0.1%,from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate in thedisclosed packages and methods.

FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate one embodiment of device 5 comprising bar 10and sleeve 15 that fits over at least a portion of the bar. The devicefurther comprises gasket 20 sandwiched between first and second adaptors90, 91 and stop 30 configured at second end 35 of the bar. First end 40of the device includes coupling 45 that travels down at least a portionof bar 10, towards the second end, as set forth in more detail hereinbelow.

One embodiment of bar 10 having a circular cross-section is illustratedin FIG. 2. However, bar 10 is not limited and can be configured in anydesired cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, bar 10 can have ahollow interior to decrease material costs and to ensure that the deviceis lightweight. However, the presently disclosed subject matter alsoincludes embodiments wherein the bar is solid, without a hollowinterior. As shown, first end 41 of bar 10 includes a plurality of outerthreads 55 that mesh with the internal threads of coupling 45. In someembodiments, threads 55 extend partially down the length of the bar(e.g., about 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50% of the lengthof the bar). It should be appreciated that the disclosed bar is notlimited to threads, and any known mechanism can be used to translatecoupling 45 down the length of the bar (e.g., any locking and/or slidingmechanism).

Second end 42 of bar 10 comprises stop 30 that holds the first adaptor,second adaptor, and gasket in place, and also prevents movement of thebar during use. In some embodiments, the stop can be configured withhead 65 and shoulder 70 positioned directly adjacent to the head. Insome embodiments, shoulder 70 can be configured as a square that fitsinto a corresponding depression on one face of first adaptor 90 toretain the stop in place and keep the bar from moving when the couplingis rotated about the first end of the bar. It should be appreciated thatshoulder 70 and the adaptor depression can be configured in any desiredshape, so long as they fit together as described herein.

In some embodiments, bar 10 can be a mounting bolt, such as a carriagebolt, lag bolt, or cement bolt. Bar 10 can be constructed with anydesired length, such as about 2-30 inches. Thus, in some embodiments,the bar can have a length of about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or30 inches. However, bars with longer or shorter lengths can be includedwithin the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Bar 10 can have any desired diameter, such as about 0.5-5 inches. Thus,the bar can have a diameter of about 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75,2.0, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, or 5.0inches. It should be appreciated that bars with larger or smallerdiameters can also be used.

Bar 10 can be constructed from any rigid or semi-rigid material known orused in the art, including (but not limited to) metal, plastic, wood,and/or ceramic materials. In some embodiments, suitable metallicmaterials can include stainless steel, nickel, aluminium, bronze, brass,iron, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, suitable plasticmaterials can include polyethylene, polypropylene, copolymers ofpolyethylene and polypropylene, poly(vinyl chloride), and combinationsthereof. However, it should be appreciated that the materials used toconstruct bar 10 are not limited, and any rigid or semi-rigid materialcan be used. The term “rigid” as used herein refers to materials thathold a shape without external support and have a higher resistance todeformation by external forces. The term “semi-rigid” as used hereinrefers to materials that hold a shape without external support, butexhibit higher flexibility when external forces are exerted upon thestructure.

As shown in FIG. 3, hollow sleeve 15 is sized and shaped to bepositioned over bar 10, between the first and second bar ends. In someembodiments, the sleeve can have a round cross-sectional shape to fitover the bar. However, the shape of the sleeve can be the same or can bedifferent from bar 10. In some embodiments, the length of sleeve 15 canbe less than the length of bar 10 to ensure that threads 55 of first end41 are accessible to the coupling when the device is assembled. Further,the inner diameter of sleeve 15 is configured to be at least slightlylarger than the outer diameter of the bar to ensure excess movement ofthe sleeve is prevented. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of thesleeve is further configured to be smaller than stop 30. The innerdiameter is configured to be smaller than the diameter of first adaptor90, gasket 20, and/or second adaptor 91.

In some embodiments, sleeve 15 can have a length of about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27,28, 29, or 30 inches. However, sleeves with longer or shorter lengthscan be included within the scope of the presently disclosed subjectmatter.

Sleeve 15 can have any desired diameter, such as about 0.5-5 inches.Thus, the sleeve can have a diameter of about 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5,1.75, 2.0, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75,or 5.0 inches. It should be appreciated that sleeves with larger orsmaller diameters can also be used.

Sleeve 15 can be constructed from any of a wide variety of materialsknown or used in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the sleevecan be constructed from one or more metallic materials, such asstainless steel, nickel, zinc, copper, and/or brass. Alternatively, thesleeve can be constructed from one or more polymeric materials,including (but not limited to) polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(vinylchloride), or combinations thereof. It should be appreciated that thematerials used to construct the sleeve are not limited and can includeany known rigid or semi-rigid material.

In some embodiments sleeve 15 can include one or more graduation marks16 to allow the user to measure a length or depth (e.g., water depthduring flood testing). For example, the graduation marks can measuredepths of about 0.1-30 inches, such as at least about (or no more thanabout) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 inches. Graduations 16can be added to the sleeve using any desired method, such as printing,engraving, and the like.

As set forth above, coupling 45 is removably positioned on first bar end50 and includes internal threadings 46 that mate with threads 55 totravel down the length of the bar. Coupling 45 can include any of thewide variety of mechanical implements known or used in the art,including (but not limited to) wing nuts, flange nuts, square nuts,hexagonal nuts, bolts, and the like. Coupling 45 further includes ahandle to allow the user to grip and lift the device during use. Theterm “handle” includes any element that can be used by the user to liftand/or grip the device (such as the wings of a wing nut, a traditionalhandle, and the like).

One example of a representative coupling is illustrated by wing nut 47of FIG. 4a . Particularly, the wing nut includes central barrel 48 andwings 49 that function as the handle and can be used to facilitaterotation of the wing nut. Thus, coupling 45 can include one or morewings 49 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) to allow the user to easily grasp thecoupling during use. The wing nut further includes central opening 51that is sized and shaped to allow the wing nut to fit over first end 41of the bar. Particularly, the diameter of the central opening isconfigured to be larger than the outer diameter of bar first end 41.Opening 51 includes internal threadings 46 that cooperate with externalbar threads 55. As set forth in more detail herein below, the couplingcan be rotated to travel down the bar threads, thereby exerting pressureon gasket 20. In addition, the coupling can function as a handle tograsp the device in a wide variety of settings, such as during drainseating applications.

However, the shape and/or design coupling 45 is not limited so long asit can travel down the length of bar 10. For example, in someembodiments, coupling 45 can include handle 11 that can be fully orpartially gripped by the user and internal threads 12, as shown in FIG.4b . FIG. 4c illustrates a further embodiment of coupling 45 thatincludes one or more flat, planar wings 13 that can function as a handleand can be gripped by the user to advance the coupling down the lengthof the bar, and internal threads (not shown).

The coupling can be constructed from any material known or used in theart, such as any metallic and/or polymeric materials. Suitable materialscan therefore be selected from polyethylene and polypropylene,poly(vinyl chloride), iron, aluminium, stainless steel, nickel, brass,and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, coupling 45 can beenlarged in size compared to the sizes typically used in constructionprojects to allow for use as a handle. For example, in some embodiments,the coupling can have a diameter of about 5 inches or less (e.g., 0.5,1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, or 5 inches).

In some embodiments, first end 41 of the bar can include washer 25positioned between the bar and the coupling. The washer ensures uniformpressure is applied from the coupling when traveling down threads 55. Asshown in FIG. 5, washer 25 comprises central aperture 101 that is sizedand shaped to fit over the bar first end. Thus, the diameter of washeraperture 101 is greater than the outer diameter of bar first end 41.Central aperture 101 can be configured in any desired shape. The washerfurther functions to resist the force that acts to loosen the coupling.Washer 25 can be constructed with any desired cross-sectional shape(circular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.) so long as it fits overfirst end 41 of the bar. The washer can be constructed from any desiredmaterial (e.g., metallic or polymeric materials) and can be rigid orflexible. It should be appreciated that washer 100 is optional, and thepresently disclosed subject matter can include embodiments where thedevice lacks a washer and the coupling is placed directly on the firstend of the bar.

Second end 42 of bar 10 is configured with adaptors 90 and gasket 20.Stop 30 holds the first adaptor, second adaptor, and gasket in place,and also prevents movement of the bar during use. In some embodiments,the stop can be configured with head 65 and shoulder 70 positioneddirectly beneath the head, as set forth above. Head 65 is sized andshaped to maintain the first adaptor, second adaptor, washer (optional),and gasket on the bar. Particularly, the head is sized to retain theadaptors and optional washer on the bar (e.g., the head cannot fitthrough the central apertures of the adaptors and washer). In someembodiments, shoulder 70 can be configured as a square that fits into acorresponding depression on one face of first adaptor 90 to retain thestop in place and keep the bar from moving when the coupling is rotatedabout threads 55. It should be appreciated that shoulder 70 and theadaptor depression can be configured in any desired shape, so long asthey fit together as described herein.

First adaptor 90 and second adaptor 91 are configured such that theysandwich gasket 20 therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b , adaptors90, 91 each include internal face 120 that is oriented towards gasket20, and external face 125 that is oriented away from the gasket. Eachadaptor further includes central aperture 130 that is sized and shapedto allow bar 10 of the stop to pass therethrough. The central apertureof each adaptor (or at least the first adaptor) is sized and shaped tobe smaller than the stop. In some embodiments, the internal face of eachadaptor is tapered or angled towards gasket 20. As illustrated in FIG.6a , external face 125 of the first adaptor can include depression 80that is sized and shaped to house shoulder 70 of the stop. In this way,the first adaptor and the stop are joined together to prevent the stopfrom rotating during use. Even though depicted as rectangular in thefigures, depression 80 and shoulder 70 can be configured in any desiredshape. In some embodiments, the internal and/or exterior adaptor facescan include one or more indents 135 to more evenly distribute thepressure from movement of sleeve 15 to the gasket, as shown in FIG. 6 a.

The first and second adaptors can be constructed from any rigid materialknown or used in the art, such as (but not limited to) metal and/orplastic materials. For example, the adaptors can be constructed frompolyethylene and polypropylene, poly(vinyl chloride), iron, aluminium,stainless steel, nickel, brass, and/or combinations thereof. In someembodiments, the adaptors can be configured in the same shape as gasket20 (e.g., with the same or about the same diameter in the same and/orabout the shame shape). However, the adaptors are not limited and can beconfigured in any desired shape, such as circular, square, rectangular,triangular, hexagonal, abstract, and the like.

Gasket 20 can be constructed from one or more compressible materials,such as (but not limited to) rubber or any other elastomeric material.In some embodiments, gasket 20 can be configured as a ring, with a roundcross-sectional shape and center aperture 21, as illustrated in FIG. 7.However, the shape of the gasket is not limited. The gasket is designedto provide a watertight seal within a drain pipe, as set forth in moredetail herein below.

In some embodiments, second end 60 of the device can optionally includeone or more washers 25. In some embodiments, the washers can be flatwashers with a circular cross-section and circular center opening, asshown in the washer of FIG. 5. However, any type of washers can be used,such as dome washers, hex washers, ogee washers, fender washers, and thelike. Further, the washers can have any desired cross-sectional shape,such as square, rectangular, oval, triangular, hexagonal, and the likeso long as they can fit over the stop. In some embodiments, the washercenter opening can be sized and shaped to allow shoulder 70 of the stopto pass through (e.g., with a rectangular opening in some embodiments).Washers 25 can be constructed from a wide variety of flexible, rigid, orsemi-rigid materials, including (but not limited to) stainless steel,zinc, copper, brass, nickel, plastic, rubber, or combinations thereof.It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the disclosed devicecan be configured without washers 25. In some embodiments, at least onewasher can optionally be positioned between the stop and the firstadaptor. For example, washer 25 can be sized and shaped to fit overshoulder 70 to directly contact stop head 65. In addition, the disclosedassembly can optionally include one or more washers positioned betweencoupling 45 and sleeve 15.

To assemble the device, first adaptor 90 is positioned on the stop bysliding aperture 130 onto bar 10 until depression 80 abuts stop shoulder70. Pressure can then be applied mechanically or by hand to fit theshoulder in the depression to lock the stop in place and preventmovement. Gasket 20 is then positioned on stop 30 by sliding the gasketaperture over stop stem 70. Second adaptor 91 is then positioned on thestop stem, such that the adaptor internal face is oriented towards thegasket. Sleeve 15 can then be positioned over the bar such that at leasta portion of bar threads 55 extends therefrom. Coupling 30 can bepositioned on first end 50 of bar 10 to arrive at the device assemblyshown in FIGS. 1a and 1b . Specifically, the internal threads of thecoupling cooperate with external bar threads 55 to allow the coupling totravel up and down the length of the bar as desired by the user. Thesteps recited herein can be performed in any order and are not limitedto the precise order of steps described above.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternate embodiment of device 5. As shown, bar 10can be configured to have a length that is less than the length ofsleeve 15. For example, in some embodiments, the length of the bar canbe about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40% of the length of the sleeve.Screw threads 55 of the bar first end can be positioned in aperture 11positioned at one end of sleeve 15. In some embodiments, bar screwthreads 55 can cooperate with threadings 12 positioned within theaperture to secure the bar within the aperture. However, it should beappreciated that the bar can be maintained within the sleeve using anymethod known in the art, including (but not limited to) snap fit,mechanical fit, adhesives, and the like.

The disclosed device can be used during water testing on projectsinvolving a drain. Particularly, the device can be positioned a desiredlength into a drain, such that gasket 20 is positioned at the desireddrain length. First end 40 of the device remains above the drain,allowing the user to access it, using the coupling as a handle. The useractivates coupling 30 (which in some embodiments can be an enlarged wingnut) so that it travels down the length of bar 10 via threads 55. Theinternal threading of the coupling is engaged with mating threads 55 ofbar 10, or any other like manner. The user continues to advance thecoupling until it abuts sleeve 15. The user continues to advance thestop by rotating wings 49, thereby moving the sleeve towards second end35 of the device. As the sleeve moves, it exerts direct pressure on thesecond adaptor which compresses gasket 20 between the first and secondadaptors, thereby increasing the diameter as it flattens out to thesides. Because stop is secured into depression 80, the stop does notgive in response to the sleeve pressure. As a result, gasket 20 expandsout to grip the inside of the drain pipe to create a watertight seal.Thus, the gasket expands to plug the drain. A desired amount of water orother fluid is then added to the drain. The user can measure the waterlevel (e.g., using sleeve graduation marks 16) and the drain is allowedto sit for a desired amount of time.

After a desired amount of time passes (e.g., 1-3 days), the user canagain read the sleeve graduation marks to see if the water level is thesame or about the same, which is an indication that no leak in the drainpipe is present. To dislodge the device, the process is reversed. Thatis, the direction of the coupling movement on threads 55 is reversed byrotating in the opposite direction, towards device first end 40. As aresult, the pressure put on sleeve 15 is reduced/eliminated, therebyreleasing pressure on gasket 20. Consequently, the gasket regains itsinitial, non-compressed shape (e.g., the gasket is no longer flattenedand its diameter is decreased to the normal, non-compressed state). Dueto the decreased in the non-compressed diameter of the gasket, it losesits grip on the sides of the pipe wall and the watertight seal isbroken. As a result, the user can lift the device out of the pipe andreuse it at a later time.

Advantageously, the disclosed device allows the waterproof quality of adrain pipe to be tested. Recording the measurement at the time of thewater test ensures precise water measurement and determination of panintegrity at the time of inspection. No additional materials arerequired, such as a test ball with extension and/or air pump as arecurrently used when testing drain pipes. In addition, inspectors caneasily check the water levels using the graduation lines, without theneed for additional measuring. The user is further not required to reachinto stagnant and/or unsafe bacteria-laden standing water to release thepan-fill water. Instead, the drain is released from above the waterline, keeping the user's hands free from contact with the standingwater.

The disclosed device further allows a drain body connection to beproperly seated and/or glued to a drain line. Specifically, discloseddevice can be inserted into a pipe such that gasket 20 is positioned inthe drain body. The gasket is expanded as set forth above (e.g., byrotating the coupling towards the device second end) to provide a sealagainst the sides of the drain. The drain can then be lifted using thedisclosed device, where the coupling and/or first end of the device actsas a handle to raise, lower, and/or properly seat the drain. Further,because the gasket is securely maintained against the side of the drain,the user can use the first end and/or coupling of the device to applypressure to the drain when seating in the proper location. Once thedrain is properly seated, the user simply reverses the direction of thecoupling, releasing pressure on the gasket and allowing it to return toits normal (non-compressed) diameter. The gasket then loses its grip onthe sides of the drain, allowing the user to pull up on the device toremove it from the drain.

As a result, there is no need for a user to open ceilings from belowwhen working on showers located on upper floors. There is further noneed to patch, repair, repaint, and/or retexture as would be requiredwith traditional drain installation methods. Use of the device furthereliminates the need to go under the house to make a drain connection,and eliminates the need for a second person to go under the house tohold the drain line from below while gluing and seating the new drainbody from above. Further, the disclosed device is useful in situationswhere there is no access from below.

It should be appreciated that all figures herein are not necessarilydrawn to scale in each and every embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for releasably sealing a pipe, the device comprising: a bar comprising a first end, a second end, and a main body positioned between the first and second ends, wherein: the first end that defines screw threads, and the second end is defined by a stop; a compressible gasket sandwiched between a first adaptor and a second adaptor, positioned at the second end and adjacent to the stop, a coupling comprising a handle and being threadably engaged with the screw threads of the first end of the bar; a sleeve configured on an outer surface of the main body of the bar that is maintained between the coupling and the second adaptor, wherein the sleeve defines a series of spaced-apart circumferentially extending graduation mark indicators to indicate a depth of the device when the device is placed within a body of water, wherein the mark indicators extend perpendicularly relative to a longitudinal extending through the sleeve; wherein advancement of the coupling over the bar screw threads translates the sleeve towards the bar second end, which compresses the gasket between the first and second adaptors, wherein, in operation, the compressible gasket sandwiched between the first adaptor and second adaptor is positioned within a drain housing formed within a basin, and the coupling is spaced-apart from the compressible gasket by the sleeve, wherein, the coupling remains above a water line formed in the basin and the water line is positioned proximal the graduation mark indicators to determine a level of water in the basin.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the gasket is constructed from rubber, elastomeric material, or combinations thereof.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is constructed from a rigid material.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the rigid material is selected from stainless steel, nickel, aluminum, bronze, brass, iron, and combinations thereof.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the coupling is a wing nut comprising two or more wings.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the stop is defined by a head and a shoulder positioned directly adjacent to the head.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the shoulder is configured in a square shape.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second adaptors each comprise an interior face positioned directly adjacent to the gasket, wherein the interior faces comprise one or more ridges.
 9. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more washers positioned between the sleeve and the coupling.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the graduation mark indicators are not a threaded assembly. 